Here it is ladies and gentlemen, the biggest annual tournament in terms of attendance and eyeballs, the best in Europe duking it out for the title of 6 Nations champion. Ireland with the Grand Slam (winning every match) from last year to defend!
France v Ireland
The match many predicted as a likely world cup final, a bit late, but it's finally arrived! Both squads without some key players, sexton and du pont, and likely some cobwebs to brush away, but this match is being talked about as the tournament decider before even any points have been scored! This is one tasty opener and you better believe it will live up to it
Italy vs England
England with a good world cup despite plenty of criticism and churn of players and coaches in the last 18 months and are looking for a good start to get themselves rolling. Italy seeking a win, any win, and will be looking to take advantage of a fairly inexperienced England squad. Expect both teams to play wide exciting stuff with a slight whiff of desparation - neither side can afford a loss here
Wales vs Scotland
Wales are in trouble, and have been for some time, but at home with an impressive record against the Scots, Gatland will want to throw the kitchen sink at them and will be able to with new faces. Scotland will be looking for a victory and a bonus point, and know every point will be vital in order to challenge Ireland or France into even a 2nd position in the tournament
Under 20s
The U20s also kicks off tonight, and is a great watch to get the tournament started. Can Scotland get a win this year?
There we are then, my match narratives for yous, please, head, heart, and arse predictions in the comments before kick offs, score predicrions in kicktipp, and reactions during/after matches! I'll do half time and full time for all 3
That was a very dominant display from Ireland. Some beautiful tries from both sides, but France looked very unorganised for half the match. Their second try was tough to call, it was hard to see if it actually made contact or not. Probably the right call to say it did though.
Yeah it's a bit scary playing them last lol. I'd rather get it out of the way early.
What an opening weekend though. Italy made for an exciting first half, it's nice to see them play well. The second half of the Wales Scotland game was fantastic to watch. Exciting down to the very last moment.
That was France’s worst home loss of the 6 Nations era in terms of points difference (21 vs previous 10 to Wales in 2013). I’ve watched Ireland play France dozens of times and never seen Ireland dominate physically like that.
It was scary good, Ireland for the championship without a doubt. France looked amateur and never got going at all. Red card didn't help, but lineout was poor, very little good kicks, and no real turnovers. I bet they fix a lot of that for next week at Murrayfield though
Ireland, Italy, Scotland - all away wins in the opening weekend, tournament would be anyone's!
Arse
Ireland get away with an early yellow from the captain, but implode all around them. France at home batter furiously with a record points haul, but 3 backs pull their hamstrings in the process #tooEasy
England forget how to play rugby again, kick even more pointlessly, and Italy shred their defense with a series of Finn Russell-esque kick passes and a sexton loop. Record loss
Wales get the roof up (Gatland wanted it up, Toonie vetoed) but all the purpose it serves is to magnify the boos of a record loss at half time, bonus point already given, followed by a second half of 3-0 from Wales